JPG vs AVIF
AVIF compresses photos far smaller than JPG, but JPG is supported everywhere. Compare the two formats for your web images and pick the right balance.
AVIF gives the smallest photo files on modern browsers, while JPG remains the universal fallback and sharing format. The practical answer is AVIF with a JPG fallback on the web.
How it works
The short answer
AVIF compresses photos dramatically smaller than JPG at similar quality, so it is the modern choice for web images. JPG is supported by everything and remains the safe default for sharing, email and older browsers. Use AVIF where you control delivery and a JPG fallback everywhere else.
How JPG works
JPG is a lossy format designed in the 1990s for photographs. It compresses by discarding fine detail the eye barely notices, and it works everywhere on earth. Its compression is solid but nowhere near as efficient as modern codecs, which is why photo files in JPG are larger than necessary.
How AVIF works
AVIF is built on the AV1 video codec, which encodes still images with far better efficiency. For the same photo at the same visible quality, AVIF is typically 50 percent smaller than JPG. That means dramatically lower page weight and faster loading for image heavy sites.
The size difference
At equal quality, AVIF often measures half the size of a JPG. On a gallery or storefront full of photos, switching from JPG to AVIF can cut total image bytes by a large margin. That speeds up loading, lowers bandwidth costs and helps on slow mobile connections.
Compatibility
JPG opens in every browser, editor and device ever made. AVIF is supported by all modern browsers but not by some older ones, legacy apps or certain content platforms. The safe pattern is to serve AVIF with a JPG or WebP fallback through the picture element.
Quality at the same size
Both formats are lossy. At the same file size AVIF usually looks visibly better, with cleaner edges and fewer artifacts. At the same quality AVIF is smaller. That efficiency is why AVIF is the format of choice for photo heavy modern sites.
A practical rule
Serve AVIF for web photos to modern visitors and keep a JPG copy as the fallback and sharing format. For email, print and unknown recipients, stay with JPG. Convert JPG to AVIF on this site to compare the size saving on your actual photo.
Format comparison
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Browser support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPG.jpg | Lossy (discards some detail) | No | All browsers and devices | Photographs and images with smooth color gradients |
| AVIF.avif | Lossy (discards some detail) | Yes | All modern browsers (2020+) | Modern web photos with the best compression at high quality |
Frequently asked questions
Is AVIF better than JPG?
For web photos, yes. AVIF is much smaller at similar quality. JPG wins on universal compatibility and is still the safe default for sharing.
Can all browsers show AVIF?
All modern browsers support AVIF. Older browsers need a JPG or WebP fallback, which the picture element handles automatically.
Should I convert JPG to AVIF?
For a modern website, yes. AVIF files are much smaller and load faster. Use the JPG to AVIF converter. Keep JPG for email, print and legacy clients.
Does AVIF lose quality like JPG?
AVIF is lossy like JPG, but at the same file size it looks better. It gives you more quality for the same bytes.